Take a new kitten to the vet within the first week or so of bringing it home, and sooner if it seems unwell. Kittens typically start vaccines at 6 to 8 weeks of age and return every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks or older. The first visit sets up that plan and checks for problems that are common in young kittens.
This guide is part of our vet visit schedule guide.
When to take your kitten to the vet
- Within a few days to a week of adoption, even if it seems healthy, to confirm health and start preventive care.
- Immediately if your kitten is not eating, has diarrhoea or vomiting, sneezes with discharge, is lethargic, or seems small and weak for its age.
- Before meeting other cats in your home, so infections and parasites can be checked first.
What happens at the first visit
| Step | What the vet does |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Checks weight, eyes, ears (for mites), mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin and coat (for fleas), and genitals |
| Parasite control | Deworming and flea treatment suitable for the kitten’s age and weight |
| Vaccines | Starts or continues core vaccines (see below) |
| Testing | Often recommends testing for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), especially for strays or kittens of unknown history |
| Fecal check | Looks for intestinal parasites |
| Advice | Nutrition, litter training, play, spay/neuter timing, microchipping |
Kitten vaccine schedule
Most vets follow a schedule based on international and national guidelines:
- Core vaccines (FVRCP): feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Started at 6 to 8 weeks and repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks or older, then a booster around 6 months to 1 year.
- Rabies: given according to local law and risk, often from about 12 to 16 weeks.
- FeLV: strongly recommended for kittens, especially those that may go outdoors.
See our full cat vaccination schedule for details.
What to bring
- Your kitten in a secure carrier with a familiar blanket
- Any records from the breeder or shelter: vaccines, deworming, tests
- A fresh stool sample in a sealed bag
- Notes on what and how much your kitten eats
- Your questions written down
Questions to ask at the first visit
- When are the next vaccines due, and which do you recommend?
- Which flea, worm and parasite products should I use, and how often?
- When should my kitten be spayed or neutered?
- What food and how much?
- Should my kitten be microchipped?
- Indoors or outdoors: what are the risks where I live?
Start good carrier habits now
Kittens that learn early that the carrier is safe and the clinic is calm grow into easier adult patients. Leave the carrier out at home with treats inside. Our guide to reducing cat vet visit anxiety has a step-by-step plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitten’s first vet visit cost?
It depends on what is included: exam, vaccines, parasite treatment and tests. Ask for an estimate when you book. See vet checkup costs.
Can my kitten go outside before vaccines are finished?
Most vets advise keeping kittens indoors and away from unvaccinated cats until the core vaccine course is complete.
Related guides
- Cat vaccination schedule
- How often should cats go to the vet?
- Puppy’s first vet visit
- Find a cat-friendly vet
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
Run a veterinary clinic?
Chenil is a free vet CRM for single-doctor clinics. It sends vaccination and checkup reminders automatically, keeps patient records in one place and handles appointments. See the features or book a demo.